China, People’s Republic

OVERVIEW

China, from the icy north to the sandy-beached south, is diverse, gigantic, and constantly changing. So much so that you might not recognize it from one visit to the next.

Once closed off and difficult to navigate, China is now open for business although you will need a lot of time if you are really to explore this huge country properly.

Top picks in China

ShanghaiIf you like big cities then Shanghai in particular is not to be missed, simply for its nightlife and modern vibe that makes you feel like you are being thrown head first into the future.

BeijingBeijing has a ‘big city’ feeling while at the same time preserving some of the world’s most famous cultural relics like the mighty Forbidden City, the home of the previous emperors of China, and the Great Wall, situated just outside.

Xi’anIf you like ancient relics then you should consider a trip to Xi’an in central China, also the eastern end of the legendary Silk Road, and the resting place of the world famous Terracotta Army.

TibetFor a completely different change of pace and a chance to do some serious climbing or trekking, head to Tibet, an autonomous region within China that is home to Mount Everest. If you don’t want to head out on the mountain then you can explore the fascinating capital city of Lhasa instead.

Wander China, People’s Republic by map

Why I LOVE China, People’s Republic

The roasted duck, blisteringly hot Sichuan pepper, mapo tofu, chili crab, and lots and lots of dumplings. In a nutshell China is a food lover’s paradise. Whether it’s a traditional sit down banquet, or just a snack on the street, discovering Chinese food is one of the best parts of visiting this incredible country.